Laurele G. Rieks

1942 - 2024

Laurele G. Rieks

December 30, 1942 - December 27, 2024

MORAVIA - Laurele G. Rieks, 81, of Moravia, NY passed away Dec. 27, 2024 at her home with loved ones after a long illness.

Laurele was born Dec. 30, 1942 in Matewan, WV, a twin daughter of the late Frank W. Gilliam & M. Virginia Gilliam (White). She graduated from Manchester High School, Richmond, VA in 1961 and went to work at C&P Telephone Co. She moved to NY and has been married to her husband Joseph J. Rieks for the past 52 years. She worked at local restaurants, Owasco Inn, Barbs Diner and Sally's Diner, as a waitress, along with selling Real Estate Part time.

She will always be remembered as an outgoing, generous and loving mother, wife and friend who loved life and her family very much. She enjoyed sewing, crafting, shopping, home decorating, music, dancing and traveling to see family. Once retired she enjoyed spending winters in Winter Haven, FL with Joe and their many friends.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Dr. Darrell K Gilliam, of Richmond, VA, sister Erma Nell Pauley of Glen Allen, VA, her daughter Emily Longest Brush of Auburn, CA, along with four nephews and one niece.

Laurele was survived by her husband, Joseph J. Rieks, Moravia, NY; her daughter, Julie L. Banwell (Glenn); her son, John Farren Longest (Kathy); stepdaughters, Julieanne Rieks, Sheila Carroll (Art), Joan Weir (Brian) and stepson, Jess Rieks (Tracy); along with her grandchildren, Emma Knutson, Brady Knutson, Hayden Longest (Kaitlyn), and Christopher Mix (Bethany); four great-grandchildren, Adriana, Alexandra, Caiden, and Ellie; along with numerous step grandchildren & step great-grandchildren; her two sisters, Damaris Llewellyn and twin, Carole Chase; sister-in-law, Barbara Seamans, and brother-in- law, Tom Rieks (Nancy Hargett) along with numerous neices and nephews.

There are no prior calling hours. Services/Memorial for family to be held in Midlothian, VA at a later date in the spring. A private burial to follow at the Indian Mound Cemetery, in Moravia, NY. Dates TBD.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Hospice of CNY of the Fingerlakes or to a charity of your choice.